We’ve always been aware that our mom doesn’t always know best when it comes to fashion (Polka-dotted rayon dresses with shoulder pads? Not without cowboy boots, silly!), but we do admit to often stealing ideas — and the occasional piece of jewelry — from her, especially after looking at the sort of things she wore in the late 70s. No one rocked a permed ‘fro and high-waisted bellbottoms like our mami. Turns out, some fashion-conscious folks agree:

While ’70s-inspired fashion has been seen on the streets for years now, the majority of the styles tend to be influenced by looks likely to be found in vintage episodes of Sesame Street, e.g., rompers, jumpers, flares. The Me Decade is here to stay, but lately we’ve been spotting style mavens sporting pieces their mothers may have worn at the end of the decade into the early ’80s. Fueled by childhood memories and faded photographs, the more mature look is proving to be a defiantly sexy alternative to the juvenile playground looks that have become so commonplace.

We’ve kind of always loved this period in time. True, burnt orange and avocado don’t look good on everyone, but we hold a soft spot for such color combinations. Below, some trends you might want to consider, and our advice on how to time travel without looking like you need directions to the nearest Denny’s in time to get that Early Bird special:

Pantyhose: This is not a joke, we swear. Lightening up the matte legwear worn throughout the winter, trendsetting women are going for a silk stocking suntan, often paired with a disco dress and strappy heels. For those not bold enough to break out the nude hose, American Apparel is recently stocked with colored sheer stockings. Racks of L’eggs (recyclable and/or reusable, natch) eggs at Urban Outfitters may not be too far off.

We’re not a fan of pantyhose during the summer, because we don’t have AC and hate sweating, ever. But, here’s our advice: Take care to avoid pairing pantyhose with open-toe shoes or sandals, even if they’re the type made for such shoes. It just looks ill-conceived and makes us feel sweaty on your behalf. We prefer matte hose to those with glitter or sheen during the day, but are all for shiny, champagne-colored pantyhose at night. We generally like colored hosiery as long as it isn’t fishnet or patterned, if only because it would clash terribly with all the florals we plan to wear this summer. Plus, we like to let bright colors speak for themselves, ya know?

Braided Hair: The Swiss Miss braid look is around for another summer, but we’ve also been seeing longhaired ladies pulling their locks back low over their ears into a back-draping plait, as well as long bangs braided back into decorative accents around the sides of the head.

Pretty! Especially when hair ornaments are left to a minimum. We’re not a fan of this hairstyle when paired with flowy, bohemian-inspired clothes, but we do think it offers a nice contrast to more conservative, structured outfits or a simple sundress.

Vintage Etienne Aigner: Demarcated by the telltale brass horseshoe “A” insignia, vintage Etienne Aigner leathergoods are being scooped up on eBay by savvy bidders. Most coveted are riding boots and saddlebags in burgundy or camel-colored leather. Auction prices can skyrocket at times: we wish EA would do a line of their classics to make attaining the goods a little easier!

Memories! Our mom totally has two or three of these lying around. These are simple, well-made bags with vintage appeal that would go with pretty much any outfit you could throw together this summer, as long as it isn’t too conservative as you could run the risk of looking matronly.

Other trends we’ve noticed (and liked): Rattan purses, boat shoes, tortoise shell accessories, high-waisted anything, fitted Lacoste and Le Tigre polos. All of which are currently taking up space in both mom’s closet and our own, incidentally.

Retro mom-inspired style is bubbling up [Trend Central]